House set to challenge Biden green energy standards for washing machines with 'Liberty in Laundry' bill vote

The Department of Energy (DOE) introduced a final rule in February imposing stricter energy standards for residential clothes washers (RCWs), such as washing machines. Under the regulations, certain less-efficient models of washers and dryers will be barred from being sold, according to DOE. 

The House will vote on the legislation Tuesday. If passed, it could prevent the Energy Secretary and DOE from "implementing new or amended energy efficiency standards for clothes washers that are not technologically feasible and economically justified."

Ogles told Fox News Digital that "Americans should be able to do their laundry in peace without the input of Big Brother." 

"I have spent much of my time in Congress fighting back the federal government's vast overreach into the lives of hardworking Americans. In a slew of woke, 'environmental' nonsense rulemaking attempts by the Biden Administration, the Secretary of Energy issued new standards for clothing washers and dryers in March," Ogles said in a statement. "In response, I introduced the Liberty in Laundry Act."

"Let's be clear: President Biden and Washington bureaucrats' war on everyday household appliances only hurts American families and small businesses," House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., wrote on his website detailing the measure. "You should be able to decide what washing machine is best for you and your family - not be forced to let the government decide for you."

When introducing the new standards on clothing washers, the DOE argued that they would reduce nearly 71 million metric tons of "dangerous carbon dioxide emissions" over the next three decades.

"For decades, DOE's appliance standards actions for clothes washers and dryers have provided loads of savings for American families while also de-creasing harmful carbon emissions," Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in a February press release.